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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
News

A Rare Visitor to the Park (December 12, 2011)

A Rare Visitor to the Park (December 12, 2011)
Photos and sounds of a rare visitor to the park: an `I`iwi (Hawaiian Honeycreeper), which are normally found at high altitudes. Though common in pre-contact Hawaii, it is very rare for the `i`iwi to come down to sea-level along the Kohala Coast.

Credit / Author: Credit / Author: NPS/Treasure Sobiono-Morikawa and Kahau Agustin (Photos)
Date Created: 2011-12-12

 
 
Hawaii Pacific Parks Association

Park Bookstore Begins New Chapter

On December 1, 2011, the park's non-profit bookstore began a new chapter in its long history of partnering with Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. Formerly known as Hawaii Natural History Association, the cooperating association that operates the store has changed its name to Hawaii Pacific Parks Association.

HPPA is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Proceeds from their bookstores support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities. Their core purpose is to inspire visitors and foster meaningful connections to the parks-for the preservation and enjoyment of the parks forever-all with a spirit of aloha.

For more information about how HPPA partners with Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, please stop by the park's bookstore located inside the Visitor Center or visit their website at http://www.hawaiipacificparks.org/

 
 
DOI-logo

Park Recognized by Secretary of the Interior for Partnership with Native Hawaiians

On September 21, 2011, a small delegation representing Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site & our partners from Na Papa Kanaka o Pu`ukohola Heiau traveled to Washington, DC to receive the "Partners in Conservation Award" from the Secretary of the Interior. The following are highlights from a press release issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior:

Department of the Interior
Partners in Conservation Award

The Partners in Conservation Award is a Department of the Interior Honor Award established to recognize conservation achievements that include collaborative activity among a diverse range of entities that may include Federal, state, local and tribal governments, private for-profit and nonprofit institutions, other nongovernmental entities, and individuals. This award enables the Secretary to acknowledge in one award the contributions of both Interior and non-Interior personnel. Overall, this award recognizes outstanding conservation results that have been produced primarily because of the engagement and contributions of many partners.

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii
After major earthquake damage in 2006, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (constructed in 1791), one of Hawaii's most significant Native Hawaiian sites and visitor attractions, volunteers came together over 4 years to restore the sacred temples known as Pu'ukohola Heiau and Mailekini Heiau. While this successful volunteer partnership resulted in a savings of over $3 million and a complete restoration of the temples, one of the most meaningful achievements experienced was the hands-on engagement of 600 native Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart from across the State of Hawai'i and the mainland. This project provides an international and innovative model for engagement of native peoples in the stewardship of their sacred sites.

CLICK HERE to view complete Press Release

 
 
Uncle Taro, one of the many volunteers that made this year's Festival a success!

39th Annual Ho`oku`ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival

On August 13-14, 2011, visitors and island residents had the chance to experience the traditions of ancient Hawaii during this year's Cultural Festival. On Saturday morning, visitors witnessed the Ho`okupu (Gift-Giving Ceremony) and a Sham Battle. During the rest of the weekend, canoe rides, cultural workshops, games, food tasting and much more gave visitors and residents unique opportunities to connect hands-on with traditional Hawaiian culture.

Mahalo to all the many volunteers, friends and supporters who made this event a success. A special mahalo to the Hawaii Natural History Association for their continuing support of the park's festival and programs.

 
 
Hawaiian Flag Day

Hawaiian Flag Day 2011

On July 29, 2011, the park celebrated La Hae Hawai'i (Hawaiian Flag Day). Retired Park Ranger Ernest Young, Sr. of Honalo, Hawaii gave a special program about how "Hawaiian Flag Day" began as the result of park efforts during the late 1980's. From those beginings, Hawaiian Flag Day is now recognized across the State of Hawaii every July 31.

 
 
Pacific Islander Day

Pacific Islander Heritage Day Returns!

After a several year hiatus, Pacific Islander Heritage Day returned to Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. On May 25, 2011, visitors enjoyed various cultural demonstrations and activities, including lei making, coconut weaving, kahili making, kapa making, traditional games, weapons displays, ukulele music and much more. 

As part of Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this event honors the important contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made both in Hawaii and in the United States as a whole.

Click here to see Photos and Videos from this event!

 
 
voyagers

Pacific Voyagers Visit Pu`ukohola

On June 18, 2011, traditional voyagers from various Pacific Island nations visited Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. While here, they took part in a talk-story program with park friend Lani Akau.

"We are a group of Pacific Islanders who have come together from many nations, sailing as one across the Pacific Ocean. We are voyaging to strengthen our ties with the sea, renew our commitment to healthy ecosystems for future generations, and to honour our ancestors who have sailed before us."

You can track their journey at http://www.pacificvoyagers.org/

 
 
On August 21, 2009 President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation in which he recognized Pu'ukohola Heiau as a place where "Americans honor the islands' collective legacy." See full text below:
 
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                               August 21, 2009

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF HAWAII STATEHOOD
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION


It is with great pride that our Nation commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of Statehood for Hawaii. On August 21, 1959, we welcomed Hawaii into the United States ohana, or family. Unified under the rule of King Kamehameha the Great, it was Queen Lili'uokalani who witnessed the transition to a Provisional Government controlled by the United States. As a Nation, we honor the extensive and rich contributions of Native Hawaiian culture to our national character.

Borne out of volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean, a chain of islands emerged that would bear witness to some of the most extraordinary events in world history. From Pu'ukohola Heiau and the royal residence at the `Iolani Palace, to the USS ARIZONA Memorial and luaus that pay tribute to Hawaiian traditions, Americans honor the islands' collective legacy and admire their natural beauty. Home to unique and endangered species, active volcanoes, and abundant reefs, the Hawaiian islands actively conserve their distinctive ecosystems with responsible development and a deep-rooted appreciation for the land and surrounding ocean.

The Aloha Spirit of Hawaii offers hope and opportunity for all Americans. Growing up in Hawaii, I learned from its diversity how different cultures blend together into one population -- proud of their personal heritage and made stronger by their shared sense of community. Our youngest State, Hawaii faces many of the same challenges other States face throughout our country, and it represents the opportunity we all have to grow and learn from each other.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 21, 2009, as the Fiftieth Anniversary of Hawaii Statehood. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

 

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Traditional canoe at Festival

Did You Know?
Every August Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site holds the Ho'oku'ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival. During the two day event, visitors can learn crafts, watch cultural demonstrators and participate in games and activities.
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Last Updated: December 17, 2011 at 13:24 MST